This February, the Coastal Health District wants to help you love your heart, and that starts with knowing your blood pressure and blood glucose numbers.

On Feb. 7 the Bryan County Health Department will be offering free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings with no appointment needed.

The free screenings will be available at the clinic in Pembroke on Feb. 7 from 9 a.m.-noon, and at the Richmond Hill clinic on Feb. 7 from 1-4 p.m.

Additional screenings will be held throughout the month at locations across the Coastal Health District. A schedule of events is available at coastalhealthdistrict.org. “Most people can’t tell if their blood pressure or glucose levels are high,” says Mecca Mason, a community health worker for the Coastal Health District who is leading the heart healthy campaign. “The only way to know is to get screened. Thankfully, the screenings are quick and easy, and once you know your numbers, we can help you come up with a plan for protecting your heart.” These numbers matter. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. A high blood glucose level can lead to heart disease.

These problems may be more common than you think. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. One person dies every 34 seconds in the U.S. from cardiovascular disease.

But this is not an unwinnable fight. “There are small adjustments you can make in your daily life that will have a big impact on your heart health,” says Mason. “That’s where we come in. We have information, resources, and programs to help people in our community live longer, healthier lives.”

You can learn about these heart healthy programs at the screening events in February or on the Coastal Health District website at coastalhealthdistrict.org.